Everyone knows the story of Count Dracula, but there are many other frightening historical stories and legends that can serve as inspiration for Halloween costumes. Beware – they are really scary.
1. Inspiration from history – vampires, mummies, pirates, voodoo priests and others
2. Urban legends and modern horror stories from around the world
Halloween costumes and makeup ideas – inspiration from history
Everyone knows the story of Count Dracula, but another cruel figure, often called the Blood Countess, frightened people for a very long time. The Hungarian-born countess was accused and convicted in connection with the deaths of many young women.
Halloween costumes – the Headless Horseman
The world-famous legend of the Headless Horseman can be interpreted through old beliefs about death and punishment. Today, the character is especially popular for Halloween costumes.
Scary pirates – Halloween costumes for men
The French pirate François l’Olonnais is remembered as one of the cruelest pirate captains in history. He was responsible for many raids before falling victim to Spanish enemies.
Wicked witch – Halloween costumes for women
Witches were men and women believed to be possessed, to have demonic powers or to speak with the devil.
Count Dracula – scary costumes
Count Dracula is perhaps the most famous vampire character. The Romanian nobleman Vlad Dracula helped inspire many stories of cruelty and horror. Our advice: because this is one of the most popular Halloween costumes, do not overdo it. White powder and dark period clothing should be enough.
Voodoo priests with original makeup
Voodoo is an African diasporic religion often associated in popular culture with sacrifice and magic. It later spread to the Americas. Feathers and facial makeup can create the appearance of a priest.
Makeup ideas inspired by the Aztecs
The Aztecs, who lived in what is now Mexico, were known for sacrificial rituals performed for religious reasons.
Pocahontas – costumes and makeup for women
Pocahontas, the daughter of a Powhatan leader, remains a well-known historical figure. The myth of her romance with John Smith is romantic, but many historians consider it unlikely.
Geisha from Japan
The mysterious charm of the geisha is difficult to describe. Beautiful and refined, they serve as inspiration for many makeup artists and professionals.
Honore de Balzac – the sad story
Few people would think of dressing like Honore de Balzac. But the talented writer, his romantic soul and his sad love story are the reasons we added him to the list. He was in love with Ewelina Hanska for many years while she was already married. After her husband’s death, they married, but Balzac was already seriously ill and died a few months later.
Creepy Halloween costumes – Marie Antoinette, Queen of France
The phrase about eating cake is often associated with Marie Antoinette, although the attribution is disputed. The sad fate of the Queen of France is linked with the beginning of a new era in French history.
The horror stories of the Tower of London
In the Middle Ages, executioner was a profession often passed from father to son. For the execution of Anne Boleyn in the Tower of London, an executioner was reportedly brought from Calais.
The curse of Tutankhamun
In Egypt, the pharaohs were believed to have protected their tombs with curses. It was said that anyone who plundered a tomb would die. Pharaoh Tutankhamun and his mummy inspired many tales and legends.
The Black Widow – famous poisoners
History knows many poisoners. Some were blamed for numerous deaths, while many myths and rumors claim that Catherine de’ Medici poisoned her opponents.
Halloween costumes inspired by modern horror stories
The Richardson murders
The bodies of the Richardson family – the father, mother and seven-year-old son – were found in Canada in April 2006. The 12-year-old daughter and her 23-year-old friend were found guilty of the crime. Jasmine Richardson is known as one of the youngest convicted murderers in Canadian history.
Madhouse-inspired horror stories
Many horror stories were inspired by the asylums and mazes of past centuries.
Halloween ideas for twins
Twins going mad at the same time sounds fictional, but similar stories have inspired horror legends.
Modern versions of Jack the Ripper
Everyone knows his story, but he was followed by many other horror stories about serial killers.
Horror stories from Japan – Kuchisake-onna, the evil spirit
Horror stories from Japan are a mixture of ancient belief and modern pop culture. It is often believed that many spirits seek revenge.
Mask inspired by the story of Emily Rose
Do you know what inspired the horror film The Exorcism of Emily Rose? It is linked to the life of a young girl whose fate remains unexplained to this day.
Makeup idea – the frozen woman
A woman in Canada was found frozen under the ice, yet survived amazingly without injuries. This makeup idea is inspired by that story.
Werewolf-inspired costumes
Stories of wolves attacking people have been known for a long time. Little Red Riding Hood draws on this fear, and this costume and makeup idea presents a modern version.
Witch makeup tips:
Vampire makeup and pirate makeup tips:
miranda_shida
Peter Dark
Theresa V. Adams
